Pollution's Impact On North Carolina's Environment And Health

North Carolina is a state in the southeastern region of the United States. It has a large Atlantic Ocean coastline and shares land borders with Tennessee, Virginia, South Carolina, and Georgia. The state's air and water quality have been affected by pollution from various sources, including industrial agriculture, power plants, vehicles, and military bases. Air pollution in North Carolina has been linked to adverse health effects, including respiratory and cardiovascular issues, while water pollution has contaminated drinking water sources and harmed wildlife.

How does air pollution affect North Carolina?

Air pollution in North Carolina has been a concern for decades, but recent reports show that the state's air quality has improved significantly. The Division of Air Quality (DAQ) in North Carolina works to protect and improve the state's outdoor air quality for the health and economic well-being of its residents. Their efforts, along with those of state leaders, regulatory agencies, electric utilities, industries, and the public, have led to a considerable decline in air pollution emissions.

The two biggest contributors to air pollution in North Carolina are ground-level ozone and particle pollution, mainly from vehicle emissions and coal-burning power plants. Ground-level ozone, the primary component of smog, irritates the lungs and respiratory system and can cause inflammation, making it difficult to breathe. Particle pollution, on the other hand, has been linked to serious cardiac issues, including arrhythmias and heart attacks. It can also increase the risk of lung cancer and cause early death, heart attacks, strokes, and emergency room visits.

In recent years, North Carolina has seen a reduction in emissions of harmful air pollutants like nitrogen oxides and particulate matter. This is largely due to the state's transition to cleaner energy sources, such as utility-scale solar development, and improvements in energy efficiency in homes and buildings. Additionally, vehicles on North Carolina highways emit far less pollution due to enhanced engine and fuel standards and better emissions controls. As a result, air quality in the state has improved, and North Carolinians are now breathing the cleanest air in decades.

Despite this progress, air pollution remains a serious health threat in North Carolina. It can trigger asthma attacks, harm lung development in children, and even be deadly. Vulnerable groups, including children, older adults, and people with lung diseases, are especially susceptible to the harmful effects of air pollution. Therefore, it is essential to continue implementing measures to reduce air pollution and protect the health and well-being of North Carolina's residents.

To mitigate the risk of poor air quality, individuals can take proactive steps such as checking daily online air pollution forecasts and limiting outdoor activities when pollution levels are high. Additionally, reducing energy consumption in homes and workplaces and encouraging the use of electric vehicles can further contribute to improving air quality in North Carolina.

How does water pollution affect North Carolina?

Water pollution is a pressing issue in North Carolina, with multiple sources contributing to the contamination of the state's waterways. One significant source is the intensive livestock farming operations in the state, particularly hog, chicken, and turkey farms. North Carolina has more tons of manure per acre of farmland than any other state due to the large number of animals crowded into these farms. The waste from these farms is improperly managed, with approximately 10 billion gallons of hog waste produced each year being stored in unlined cesspools and then sprayed onto cropland. This waste contains high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus, which contribute to water pollution and the creation of dead zones in waterways. The state's coastal plain, where most hog operations are located, has porous soil and a high water table, making it particularly vulnerable to runoff and pollution from these farms.

In addition to agricultural waste, industrial discharges and chemical pollution also play a significant role in water pollution in North Carolina. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as "forever chemicals," have been detected in the drinking water of millions of North Carolinians. PFAS are used in a variety of consumer and industrial products for their non-stick and stain-resistant properties. These chemicals do not break down in the environment and can accumulate in the bodies of humans and wildlife, leading to serious health issues. DuPont and its spin-off, Chemours, have been responsible for dumping PFAS into the Cape Fear River for decades, impacting the drinking water supply for hundreds of thousands of people. Other industrial facilities in the state have also been found to discharge PFAS and other chemicals into waterways, further contributing to water pollution.

The state's military bases are another source of water pollution, particularly from the use of firefighting foams containing PFAS. At least ten Department of Defense installations in North Carolina have confirmed PFAS contamination in drinking water or groundwater, impacting both on-base communities and surrounding areas.

To address water pollution in North Carolina, efforts are being made to improve wastewater treatment and reduce industrial discharges. The state has also created a statewide testing network to monitor PFAS levels in drinking water, and there is a push for stricter regulations and protections for water quality. However, the impact of these efforts remains to be seen, and North Carolina continues to face significant challenges in combating water pollution and ensuring safe drinking water for its residents.

How does industrial animal agriculture affect North Carolina?

North Carolina is home to some of the largest livestock operations in the country, with the state's coastal plain hosting most of its swine, broiler chickens, and turkeys. The state now has more tons of manure per acre of farmland than any other state, owing to the expansion of intensive animal agriculture. This has led to a range of environmental and health issues.

Water Pollution

The waste generated by industrial animal agriculture in North Carolina has contaminated water sources. Hog operations, for example, use open-air, unlined cesspools to store feces and urine, which is then sprayed onto fields. During heavy rain and hurricanes, these cesspools are prone to overflowing and discharging waste into local waterways. The waste also leaches into the ground, polluting the water and creating dead zones in waterways where no aquatic life can survive.

Air Pollution

Ammonia emissions from animal waste are a significant source of air pollution in North Carolina. Poultry CAFOs (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations), for example, use large fans to blow out ammonia-laden air, which then wafts into nearby residences. Ammonia is a corrosive gas that can cause lung damage and exacerbate asthma.

Soil Pollution

The waste management systems employed by industrial animal agriculture operations in North Carolina apply more phosphorus to the soil than it can absorb. This excess phosphorus contributes to algal blooms and fish kills in waterways.

Health Risks

Living near CAFOs has been linked to various health issues. Research has found that communities located near hog CAFOs have higher rates of total and infant deaths, as well as deaths due to anemia, kidney disease, tuberculosis, and septicemia. Additionally, there are increased hospital admissions and emergency room visits for low birth weight infants in these areas. Exposure to livestock odor has also been associated with increased wheezing in students with allergies.

How does PFAS contamination affect North Carolinians?

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of man-made chemicals that are found in a wide range of consumer products. They are used in non-stick and stain-resistant products, such as non-stick cookware, makeup, moisture-repellent garments, fast-food wrappers, firefighting protective gear, and some firefighting foams. PFAS are also used in industrial processes and manufacturing.

PFAS contamination is a growing problem in North Carolina, with millions of North Carolinians' drinking water contaminated with these "forever chemicals". PFAS have been detected in the state's drinking water systems, including in Fayetteville, Cape Fear River, and Pittsboro. The contamination has also been traced to specific industrial polluters, such as the Chemours Fayetteville Works facility, which manufactures PFAS, and other industrial facilities that have been polluting drinking water supplies for years.

The consequences of PFAS contamination are severe. PFAS are linked to a range of serious health issues, including impaired immune system response, liver and kidney damage, hormone disruption, developmental and reproductive issues, and several types of cancer. PFAS can build up in the body over time, as they do not break down in the environment. This means that even low levels of exposure over extended periods can lead to adverse health effects.

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has taken some steps to address PFAS contamination, signing a consent order in February 2019 that requires Chemours to address all sources of PFAS at its facility, provide clean water for those with PFAS-impacted private wells, and clean up previous contamination. However, environmentalists and those personally affected have expressed disappointment that the state has not established more comprehensive standards for surface and groundwater.

How does pollution affect low-income North Carolinians?

North Carolina's air quality has improved in recent years, but air pollution remains a pressing issue, especially for low-income communities. Several factors contribute to the disproportionate impact of air pollution on these vulnerable groups.

Firstly, low-income neighbourhoods are often located near major sources of pollution, such as power plants, factories, and highways. Decision-makers take advantage of these communities' lack of political power and cheaper land costs, resulting in the disproportionate placement of polluting facilities in these areas. This proximity to pollution sources increases exposure to harmful pollutants, impacting the health and well-being of residents.

Secondly, a lack of stringent emissions regulations and inadequate enforcement, particularly in low-income areas, allows industries to continue emitting unhealthy levels of pollution without repercussions. This lack of regulation disproportionately affects low-income communities, who often live closest to these pollution sources. The Clean Air Act, while important, has been weakened by industry lobbying and is not always adequately enforced, resulting in prolonged exposure to high levels of pollution for low-income residents.

Thirdly, large corporations hold significant political power, often influencing legislation to favour their interests over those of low-income households. Their lobbying efforts have contributed to lax environmental regulations, perpetuating the cycle of disproportionate exposure to pollution for vulnerable communities.

The consequences of this overexposure to air pollution are dire. Low-income individuals suffer from various physical health issues, including respiratory diseases, heart disease, and adverse birth outcomes. Additionally, mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression, have been linked to overexposure to particulate matter and other pollutants. Impaired cognitive function, particularly in children, is also a concern, as pollution can impact learning abilities and increase the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders.

Community organizing and increased political participation have been identified as effective strategies to address this issue. NGOs and organizations are creating programs to empower individuals to become more involved in the political process and advocate for local air pollution solutions. However, it is important to acknowledge that community organizing can be a slow process, and more comprehensive outcome assessments are needed to fully understand the impact of these initiatives.

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